The United Nations on Thursday commemorated the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, reaffirming its solidarity with the people of New York, the city where its headquarters has been based for nearly eight decades.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organisation continues to stand with New Yorkers, just as it did in the aftermath of the attacks. “New York has been home to the UN, its diplomats, staff, and successive Secretaries-General for 80 years. We remain in solidarity with the people of this city, as we were 24 years ago,” he said.
Nearly 3,000 people from more than 90 countries lost their lives when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in Manhattan, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania. Thousands more were injured, and many survivors and first responders still live with long-term health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, and trauma-related conditions.
In a message shared on social media, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “New York City has hosted our headquarters for decades and is home to many of my colleagues, including myself. Today, my thoughts are with everyone who lost loved ones on 9/11 and with all the people of New York City.”
The UN stressed its continued commitment to honouring the victims and supporting the city’s path of resilience and healing, noting that the anniversary remains a solemn reminder of the global impact of terrorism.